Before we sort out whether it’s Punta Mita or Punta de Mita, let’s zero in on where in the world this place is. I couldn’t have found it on a globe when I set out to book a trip. Frankly didn’t even know what country it was in (though I had keenly narrowed it down to somewhere south not north). Indeed it’s on the Pacific coast of Mexico.
With the map pin set on the correct nation, we can begin to get our bearings and google searches straight between Punta Mita or Punta de Mita. Punta Mita is a private gated Peninsula that features the fabulous Four Seasons and St Regis Resorts. Punta de Mita is officially the town. Meanwhile the whole area is commonly known simply as Punta Mita. What de heck. It’s as confusing as contemplating peso to dollar conversions after the third margarita.
Punta Mita- Getting there
Regardless of whether you understood any of that and want to include a “de”, Punta Mita is about 40 min north of the Puerto Vallarta airport. Would be 30 min but even in a Suburban, the shuttle drivers barely crawl over speed bumps, of which there are many. Pot holes, of which there are more, require a complete stop. Bottom line, it’s a minimum two margarita roadie commute and that’s a key travelers tip.
Winding through the countryside to get to the W resort, the scene became more and more remote. With no service on the phone, one had to trust the driver was taking us to the right place and not headed into a secluded human trafficking compound. While I was confident I would not solicit many bids and could have bought my freedom with the bottle of tequila purchased from the duty free store, I was equally confident my lovely companion would fare much differently.
Puerto Vallarta vs Punta de Mita
These concerns spiked when our mask wearing driver sped right past the hotel entrance that broke the natural landscape and featured a massive W sign. As I was debating whether to utilize that bottle as a weapon or simply guzzle from it, the situation quickly resolved itself as an innocent mistake. Amidst sighs of relief (and with the cork halfway out), the driver made an immediate U turn.
Oddly, he said he had never been to the W and did not see the sign. Hmm. This would be about as plausible as heading down I95 and failing to notice the entrance to South of the Border. Pedro says that’s loco amigo!
The Punta Mita or Punta de Mita trip
The W Punta Mita
With our fears of ending up on 48 Hours eased, we headed into the sprawling W resort where we were greeted with smiles and a complimentary mezcal cocktail. Much needed and appreciated after the thrills of our commute.
Let me say this about the W Hotel Punta Mita. Like many in the chain, this one tends to be a bit too much style over substance for me. It’s as if it was designed for IG posts rather than function in a lot of ways. Water features and walkways to nowhere that are eye popping on a photo but puzzling in person. The W is the Marriott’s hip and blingy cousin whose life revolves around social media likes.
Punta Mita vs Punta de Mita
Nevertheless, the W is a terrific and lovely property. Unique, quirky, private and quiet. Tasty food and to their credit, the friendliest and most genuine staff I have experienced anywhere.
Perhaps the superb hospitality was enhanced by the noticeable lack of people. The resort was seemingly at half capacity and that proved true for the little town that features the “de”.
Mexico Trip report
Our abundance of elbow room was quite unexpected, especially 4th of July weekend. Oh well, more space for us and quicker refills of the poolside beverages. Drink quality was superb at the W. Those coconut shell concoctions were “de”licious.
The waves were excellent along our beach and it seems to be known for good surfing. My own skillset in that sport is minimal having only one previous attempt. This second try resulted in an even more sound beating to body and esteem. I may have trudged in a bit dejected but nothing those coconut drinks couldn’t solve.
Mita and De Mita
Punta Mita and de Mita are both about 7 miles from the W Resort. A hop, skip and a jump that oddly warrants a $35 cab ride each way. It’s possible we got up charged based on our hotel class (wouldn’t be the first time) but either way, it’s high time Uber got in the game down there.
We did dinner at Sea Breeze in the impressive 200 plus acre St Regis resort. Stellar restaurant and sunset spot.
Traveler’s tip. $80 for two tequila shots from the fancy white ceramic bottle with the bell on top….ehhh. I’d just go with Patron. And I didn’t even get to ring the damn bell!
Sayulita
One afternoon we cabbed it to Sayulita, an interesting little beach town about 30 min away. This was probably about as authentic Mexico as most will experience. Never seen a place with so many locals interacting with the tourists. Pretty cool vibe and indeed that’s where the crowd was. Packed beach and streets. Kind of a Key West meets Mexico thing going on. Spectacular sunset that went on for an hour plus.
So authentic was this village that while there were many a street café, nary a one had a menu that yours truly could navigate. I knew taking Latin in high school would be a waste. Didn’t even help me figure out that “de”. So not only did I frustrate the waiter, I’m apparently prone to answer “bathroom” in Spanish when I’m asked how is everything. I imagine that could be interpreted in a very negative way.
Mexico west coast
On a related note I went with Diablo shrimp, an irresponsible choice the night before flying home. (Reference the Fool’s airport bathroom guide for such situations).
Fortunately they toned it down slightly for this gringo. The presentation was interesting too. Fajitas with toast instead of tortillas? French fries as a side? And don’t even get me started on the salsa. Apparently your Mexican joint at the mall back home isn’t so authentic after all.
Travelers tip: always keep your eye open for options. Price is irrelevant if you order Diablo shrimp.
Punta de mita or mita
If you like to wander around lively streets with markets and performers, Sayulita is the spot
I recommend checking out this corner of Mexico. You will experience a different vibe than Cancun and Cabo. Punta Mita is less developed, so it’s not for the Coco Bongo crowd. While the nicer resorts are pricey, flights into Puerto Vallarta are more reasonable than you may think. Punta Mita is safe, the people are super friendly and the hotels deliver superb hospitality. With or without the de, Punta Mita is worth a visit.
Wisdom of the ‘Fool
Travelers Tips for Punta Mita:
- Puerto Vallarta airport is a minimum of 2 marg road trip to Punta Mita or Punta de Mita
- If you feel like you are being kidnapped on the commute, keep the faith. You probably aren’t
- The high dollar resorts in Punta Mita are awesome but secluded. You will not be entertained by a nearby putt putt or beach bar. Stay in Puerto Vallarta if you want “things to do” or if you brought the kiddos
- You may be a boss at the local Mexican joint but when you order spicy entrees in an authentic town below the border, it’s quite different than the number 7 combo you are used to
- If you are flying the next day, pay extra attention to the preceding
- Don’t worry if you can’t remember whether it’s Punta Mita or Punta de Mita. Just forget the “de”, along with your stresses. Relax and enjoy
